Meet Marissa

Washington style is more than boxy cuts and bobs.

How does your sense of style shine through when your job requires a buttoned-up dress code? Marissa works in politics and communications, a field that requires an ultra-professional appearance (and long hours).

Here, she shares her tips for creating a streamlined, elegant wardrobe—whether you’re presenting to the board or holding Warrior pose.

What’s your daytime work style?
In one word: dresses. Dresses are simple, sleek, and classic. You can dress them up or down depending on your jewelry and accessories (at work, I usually go for pearls). Often all it takes is a blazer and tights to transition them for fall and winter. Dresses are also a great investment—you don’t have to worry about finding a matching top or pants.

How do you take your look from office to evening?
It’s all about the shoes and bold lipstick. I swear by Nine West wedges and heeled, knee-high black boots in winter. As for lipstick, I go between a bright red shade and NARS Super Orgasm gloss, which is a glittery paler pink.

What’s your weekend style?
If I’m not in a dress, I’m probably in gym clothes—Lululemon’s Wunder Under crops are my favorite pants for yoga. I often start my weekend mornings with a workout, and I carry a few staples so I can run errands afterwards: a clean, sporty top; a cute headband (especially Sweaty Band); and Clean & Clear’s blue oil-blotting sheets.

What’s your best piece of personal style advice?
When I started my career after college, I was given the classic bit of wisdom, “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” Especially because I’ve been told I look young for my age, I've taken that advice to heart. Tahari’s ASL skirt suits are a must-have for big meetings.